The Holly Pond defense was dominant in the Broncos’ 28-6 win over Danville. (Howard Cole for The Cullman Tribune)
HOLLY POND – Under Friday night lights in Holly Pond, the Broncos (Class 3A, Region5) celebrated Homecoming 2018 in style by stampeding over the Danville Hawks (Class 4A, Region 7) 28-6. The Hawks’ defense put up fair resistance, but the Broncos still managed to put the ball in the end zone four times. On the other side of the ball, Danville was simply no match for Holly Pond, as the Broncos routinely put multiple players on the ball in the Hawk backfield for sacks and downs for losses.
Holly Pond stumbled to open the game, going three-and-out with a punt, but Danville returned the favor. When the Broncos got the ball back, they were ready to run, driving from midfield to first-and-goal before quarterback Kyler Chaney took it in himself for the game’s first points. The Hawks stalled on the following series to allow Holly Pond to end the quarter with the ball and a 6-0 lead.
A short break to swap ends didn’t blunt the Broncos’ momentum, and they opened the second quarter with a fast drive that culminated in a Jeremiah Holmes touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion. A short kickoff gave Danville the ball in good field position, but the Hawks’ attempt to capitalize ended with a pass interception by Bronco Isaac Ludwig. A sack and two big penalties against Holly Pond over the next few minutes gave the Hawks the opportunity to build some momentum of their own, and even when Danville fumbled to Holly Pond, the Broncos fumbled it right back. Ultimately, though, the Hawks losses due to Bronco penetration proved too much, and the half ended with Holly Pond on top 14-0.
Holly Pond Homecoming court
At halftime, Holly Pond introduced its homecoming court, which included Kirsten Campbell, Cassie Carter, Hailey Crumbley, Tess Duke, Sydney Dunkin, Lili Harris, Maddie Heatherly, Katie Smith, Lexy Smith, Makayley Whitfield and Jacey Wise.
Katie Smith was named the 2018 Homecoming Queen, receiving her crown from 2017 Queen Presley Marks.
When the third quarter opened, it was back to business as usual as the Hawks went three-and-out with a short punt that allowed Holly Pond to start from midfield. The Broncos took advantage of the chance to do a little stampeding, sending the ball to the end zone once again in the hands of Holmes. The teams then swapped punts to end the quarter with the ball in the Hawks’ hands and a 20-0 Bronco lead.
Danville had to punt shortly after the start of the fourth, but two costly Holly Pond penalties and a turnover finally gave the Hawks the spark they needed to put a touchdown on the board. Then they appeared to be on a roll when they recovered the following onside kick off. Bronco Holmes showed up once more, though, this time on defense, running back an interception on Danville’s first play for a pick-six touchdown. As the clock ran out, it was Holly Pond 28, Danville 6.
The Broncos, now 4-2, will look to stay on the winning side of things when they host Locust Fork in a regional matchup next week.
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